OUR OPINION: San Angeloans relishing the rain

SAN ANGELO, Texas - It’s been a long time since so many smiles have been seen on so many Concho Valley faces. About 16 months, to be exact — that’s when September 2012 rainfall saved the day by replenishing area lakes.

Then, as before this year’s Memorial Day weekend rain, San Angelo was on the verge of implementing its harshest drought contingency measures, prohibiting most outside watering.

This time it would have been worse. The drought level 3 restrictions would have come just as the hottest part of the year arrived, setting up a miserable, brown summer.

The 2012 rain event dumped more water into O.H. Ivie Reservoir than this year’s, but this time twice as much poured into Twin Buttes, which San Angelo doesn’t have to share with other cities.

Another difference this year was that the city had Hickory Aquifer water ready to use, although the treatment plant that will remove its radiation won’t be completed until November. Presumably now much of that water can be banked to give the city a greater cushion for when the next crisis arrives.

The recent rain filled Lake Nasworthy, which again had declined drastically and seemed headed to distressing levels. The lake that is such an important part of San Angelo’s identity and economy is ready just in time to serve as a summer recreational getaway for local and area residents, and the annual Showdown in San Angelo drag boat races that were at risk of cancellation will go on as scheduled.

All San Angeloans are breathing easier, but that doesn’t mean the conservation mode that many had adopted should be abandoned. While we’re out of a jam for now, all who have lived here even a few years know it’s only a matter of time before it happens again. Enjoy the water — just don’t waste it.